7 Tips to Make Sure Your Delivery Arrives Safe and Sound

Whether you're a business shipping customer orders or an individual moving house, whenever your items hit the road, you want them to arrive safe and sound. Every sharp turn and sudden stop can put your delivery to the test.

To help your package handle the ride without a hitch, proper preparation is key. Here’s how to pack your items right and pick the perfect vehicle for the job.

Here are our top 6 tips for a smooth delivery:

1.Getting the packaging right

It all starts with the outer shell. Choose a sturdy, ideally brand-new box for your shipment. If you’re reusing an old one, make sure to inspect it closely: is it still solid and completely free of tears or soft spots? Especially in the B2B space, a clean, intact box also leaves a highly professional impression on your clients.

Size matters, too. Your box needs to offer enough room for the item itself as well as plenty of padding. If it’s too small, outside pressure could damage what's inside. If it’s too big, your goods will slide around.

For particularly fragile or oddly shaped items, like flat-screen TVs, large artwork, or mirrors, consider investing in specialty boxes. Custom packaging might cost a little bit up front, but it drastically reduces shipping risks and saves you the headache of damages.

Not sure what vehicle fits your box size? You can check vehicle dimensions directly in the Lalamove app before booking so you never end up with the wrong space. 

2. Use plenty of padding

Make sure your items sit securely inside the box with plenty of protection. Start by lining the bottom generously with cushioning material like bubble wrap, packing paper, or packing peanuts.

If you're shipping multiple items, like stemware, ceramic mugs, or small collectibles, wrap each piece individually to stop them from clashing into one another. Finally, fill in any empty spaces so your items don't come into direct contact with the outer walls.

Tip: Give the box a gentle shake. If you hear anything rattling or sliding around, just toss in a little extra padding.

3. Double-box fragile items

If you're shipping high-value or extremely fragile items, they'll benefit hugely from an extra layer of protection. Pack your item inside a smaller cardboard box first, then place it inside a larger box filled with plenty of padding. That way, the box absorbs shocks and outside pressure even better.

4. Seal your box securely

Use heavy-duty packing tape that holds up reliably throughout the entire trip. A common mistake is only taping down the center seam. It's much better to tape along the center seam and cover the two short side edges, too, for maximum stability.

Why Deliveries Are Safer with Lalamove:

• Direct Route: No sorting hubs, drop-offs, or extra middle-man handling.
• Real-Time GPS Tracking: Watch your package move live on the map from pickup to drop-off.
• Driver contact: With Lalamove you can contact your driver during the delivery.
• Proof of Delivery: Receive immediate photo confirmation as soon as your driver arrives.

5. Pick the right vehicle and service

Not every shipment calls for a transporter, and you can't handle every delivery on a bike. With the Lalamove app, it's easy to match your vehicle choice directly to the size of your shipment. Right now, you can choose from the following options: bike, cargo bike, car, caddy, and transporter.

And the best part? When things get heavy (like moving furniture or handling large B2B orders), we've got you covered! You can easily add extra services right in the app. Depending on what you need, choose between driver loading assistance or driver loading assistance plus an extra helper.

6. Leave a note for your driver

Communication is key! If you're shipping extra-delicate items or have specific instructions to share, you can easily leave a quick note for your driver right in the Lalamove app. That way, they'll know even before pickup that your shipment needs to be handled with extra care.

Psst: let the box speak for you. Don't be shy with labels! Plaster conspicuous "FRAGILE" or "HANDLE WITH CARE" stickers or written in thick pen on every side to ensure they grab your driver's attention instantly. If you're transporting liquids, sensitive tech, or greenery that shouldn't be tilted, use clear "THIS SIDE UP" markers and arrows to keep things standing tall.

7. Prepare for a fast, seamless pickup

In on-demand logistics, efficiency is everything. Have your items fully packed, taped, and waiting near the entrance before your driver arrives. If your location has tricky access like a gated entrance, a specific loading bay, or several flights of stairs, giving your driver a heads-up in advance saves valuable time for everyone.

All packed up?
Whether it's a sofa, a vase, or a monitor, once your items are securely packed, they'll reach their destination quickly, flexibly, and reliably.

📲 Download the Lalamove app now!